State Rep. Paul Brodeur hosts senior information session

Saturday

Jan 23, 2016 at 9:00 AM

State Rep. Paul Brodeur, D-Melrose, welcomed the chair of the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs, State Rep. Denise Garlick, D-Needham, for an information session with seniors on Jan. 12 at the Beebe Estate, 235 W. Foster St., Melrose. The event drew seniors, care providers, nursing professionals and community leaders to a discussion regarding current demographics in Massachusetts, the types of state benefits available to seniors and an open conversation about future legislation and policy.“After the years I spent working for the Executive Office of Elder Affairs and, as the son of aging parents, I know full well the challenges and new opportunities our older citizens face as they age in our community,” Brodeur said. “It’s vital that we, as elected officials make every effort to help educate our communities about not only the current services available, but also to get on the ground perspectives about how to meet the changing needs of seniors in areas, like home care, transportation, employment, nutrition, housing and other quality-of-life matters.”Melrose Mayor Robert Dolan, members of the Council on Aging and representatives from Hallmark Health, Mystic Valley Elder Services and the nursing community joined local elders for the information session.According to statistics released by UMass Boston’s Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging, over two-thirds of Massachusetts cities and towns will consist of over 30 percent senior citizens by 2030. More than 50 Massachusetts cities and towns will see their elder population double or triple before 2030. Participants noted that although their demographic is growing rapidly, many seniors continue to lead active, engaged lives, oftentimes working into their 70s and beyond.“We have to recognize that our stereotypical image of a senior citizen is simply inaccurate now,” Brodeur said. “The elder community is more diverse than ever before. Folks are retiring later and later, and they are looking for services which recognize their energy and abilities. This is a special group within our city which has a tremendous amount of experience and talent, and I’m eager to identify additional opportunities for engagement. Brodeur will host Garlick for a second talk on the same topics on Feb. 5 in Wakefield. Interested seniors and stakeholders are encouraged to contact 617-722-2304 for more information.